THIS IS AN ASIAN TOUR. During the drive, the guide would point out places and inform the group in mandarin I believe. He did not repeat all of the information in English for us, because by the time he was done explaining it to everyone else, we had already passed the area. So if you want an in-depth experience. You may want to go with a different agency.
The tour began 40 minutes late. We did not get a free breakfast, we paid for all of our own meals. Plus, the driver, who was also the guide, let us know that we each had to tip him $10. I'm not sure if it was required for the Asian customers, we didn't see them pay anything and again we didn't speak the language. Although it says "highly recommended" on the package, and we had every intention of tipping, it was off putting because it then felt like a demand instead of an actual tip for good service... During the drive we noticed the van was driving slow to the point where 18-wheelers were speeding past us and going around us on the highway. Which is extremely hazardous. At one point we just pulled over on the highway. After a few minutes and no explanation from the driver/guide, we began moving again at a normal pace.
-We didn't stop at Glen Canyon Damn. We just drove past it.
-Antelope Canyon was out of this world. If you go, you should ask for the tour guide Cody. He's knowledgeable, shows you how to get the best photos and will literally take the photos for you. There is even a live show at the end of the tour. However we didn't get to see the entire performance because our driver was in a rush. **Make sure you have cash. They charge like a 20% fee when you take out cash there.
-Horseshoe bend was beautiful. There was no guide, we literally just walked around on our own for the amount of time allotted for that destination.
-Powell lake was pretty. We stopped to take photos and a survey of how the trip was going. Which pressures you to lie because, you don't want to write a bad review and be stuck in a small van with the person for 8 more hours... awkward.
-Zion Park is NOT A HIKE. We were driven through the park. Again, as we drove the driver would explain what we were seeing in a different language and occasionally translate it for us. Also, imagine the anxiety of being driven on a winding road around mountains and cliffs with the driver talking, looking, and pointing in different directions; all while not slowing down. I couldn't wait to get out of that park and onto leveled ground. He did pull over about 4-5 times to allow us to get some decent photos and actually engage with us and finally explain what we were seeing.
In conclusion, if you're up for the drive, SAVE YOUR MONEY. Access to the parks cost very little. A chauffeur, whom spoke limited English, didn't have the safest driving practices, was in a constant rush, didn't provide everything that was offered in the package and still required to be tipped was not worth the price! read more
